COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES Rs. 7 BILLION INVESTMENT IN MULTAN

Multan, March 04, 2013: Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan Ltd. held a ground-breaking ceremony of its new Greenfield project in Multan. The ceremony was inaugurated by Senior Advisor of Chief Minister Punjab Zulfiqar Khosa, and attended by a huge gathering, including key government officials, media personnel, local dignitaries and Coca-Cola employees.

The Greenfield project in Multan is one of the three Greenfield projects being set up in the country by Coca-Cola Pakistan. A total amount of $379million will be invested over the next three years, with the funds being utilized for expanding the business and bringing about infrastructure and systemic improvements in the Coca-Cola system. The energy efficient Multan plant will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art production equipment and product warehousing facility.

“My vision for Punjab and Pakistan is to establish the province and the country as the ideal investment destination in the region. This can only be achieved if there is a concerted partnership between the public and private sectors. The role of the private sector in the development of the region and of the country is not only pertinent, but essential; but I reiterate my standpoint, that both must join hands and support each other,” said Senior Advisor of Chief Minister Punjab Zulfiqar Khosa, While addressing the guests at the ceremony, Rizwan U. Khan, General Manager, The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, Pakistan and Afghanistan said “This project will provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people of this area and also stand out as an example for other companies to invest in Pakistan. Coca-Cola believes in strengthening the communities where we operate, because our business will only be sustainable if the communities around us are prospering.”

CCBPL General Manager, John Seward said, “CCBPL and CCI reiterate their commitment towards Pakistan as we see a bright future for the country. This investment will further establish our position as a Company which truly believes in Pakistan’s potential.”

Coca-Cola System provides directly & indirectly employs more than 8,000 people, while another 35,000 people are employed through its supply chain and another 100,000 benefit through employment in allied industries. The System has played a pivotal role in the promotion of Multan’s rich culture and heritage, huge investments have been made to restore historical landmarks especially the Multan History Museum and facilitated the Multan district government in renovation of Allamdar College, a great symbol of architecture and cultural heritage of Multan. In addition to that, CCBPL has invested Rs. 4 million towards setting up a food street at Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh. Furthermore, Coca-Cola has an extensive CSR Portfolio which focuses on education, environment and water stewardship and women empowerment.